In the hustle and bustle of modern work life, coffee shops have become the go-to spot for meetings, brainstorming sessions, and catching up on emails. For many of us who work remotely, they offer a change of scenery from the home office and a steady flow of caffeine to keep productivity levels up. But after 12 years of building my business, I found myself questioning this routine.
When I first started my entrepreneurial journey over a decade ago, the local coffee shop was my second office. It was where I’d meet colleagues, clients, and collaborators. However, as time went on, I began to realize that this habit wasn’t as beneficial as it seemed. Despite not being a coffee drinker (I prefer tea, thank you very much), I found myself spending hours seated, whether at home or in the café. That’s when I decided to make a change.
Instead of succumbing to the allure of the cozy café chairs, I embraced the idea of walking meetings. Here are the top five reasons why I’ve bid farewell to Starbucks in favor of taking strides outdoors:
1. Fresh Air, Fresh Ideas: There’s something magical about being outdoors. The fresh air invigorates the mind and stimulates creativity in ways that a confined space simply can’t. Walking amidst nature or even just down the city streets allows for a free flow of ideas and encourages outside-the-box thinking.
2. Active Body, Active Mind: Sitting has been dubbed the new smoking, and for good reason. Prolonged periods of sitting have been linked to a myriad of health issues, including obesity, heart disease, and even mental health concerns. By opting for walking meetings, not only are we getting our bodies moving, but we’re also keeping our minds sharp and alert.
3. Enhanced Focus and Engagement: Have you ever found yourself zoning out during a meeting or struggling to stay awake after that third cup of coffee? Walking meetings offer a solution to this common problem. The physical activity helps to keep participants engaged and focused, leading to more productive and efficient discussions.
4. Privacy and Serenity: While coffee shops can be bustling hubs of activity, walking paths often offer a sense of privacy and serenity. Away from the distractions of ringing phones and background chatter, walking meetings provide a tranquil environment conducive to meaningful conversations and deeper connections. At least until the leaf blower drowns out the peacefulness.
5. Environmental Impact: Let’s not forget the environmental benefits of ditching the café in favor of walking. By reducing our reliance on single-use coffee cups and minimizing our carbon footprint, we’re taking a small but meaningful step towards a more sustainable future.
So, the next time you find yourself scheduling a meeting, consider taking it outdoors. Whether it’s a stroll through the park or a walk around the block, you’ll be amazed at the positive impact it can have on both your work and well-being. Sorry Starbucks… I’m walking.
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